Thematic Dance Festival ‘Rithu Bharatham’ Showcases Diverse Performances
Natyarangam, the dance wing of Narada Gana Sabha, holds an annual thematic dance festival every year between August and September. This festival serves as a platform bringing together eminent musicians, dancers, and scholars to celebrate the art of dance. The event also provides young and talented dancers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity by conceptualizing and presenting full-length performances based on a chosen theme. Each year, the festival adopts a different theme, and this year’s edition, titled ‘Rithu Bharatham,’ delves into the exploration of the six seasons.
Rama Vaidyanathan’s ‘Vasantha Rithu’ Performance
The festival commenced with Rama Vaidyanathan’s captivating ‘Vasantha Rithu’ performance, focusing on the theme of Spring. Rama intricately divided the season into five distinctive parts: Saumya, Punaravarthana, Kama roopini, Bahu Varnani, and Apeksha. Her choreography effectively portrayed the transitions within the season, utilizing a range of visual and auditory elements to enhance the storytelling. Notable moments included the depiction of day and night cycles, the symbolism of scattering seeds, and a melodious presentation of the song ‘Saraswathi namosthuthe.’
The performance also highlighted the season’s cultural elements, such as the festival of Holi and the imagery of a newlywed couple during Vasantha Ritu. The accompanying soundscape, curated by S. Vasudevan, added depth and emotion to the performance, utilizing a mix of traditional instruments and ragas.
Apoorva Jayaraman’s ‘Grishma Rithu’ Interpretation
Apoorva Jayaraman took the stage to present ‘Grishma Rithu,’ focusing on the theme of Summer. Her performance captured the essence of the season through carefully selected verses from Kalidasa’s Ritu Samharam. The choreography skillfully portrayed the themes of lethargy and exhaustion prevalent during the summer months, incorporating elements like a drooping sugarcane bow and wilting flowers.
A poignant moment in the performance highlighted the issue of water scarcity through a touching abhinaya sequence, showcasing a mother’s sacrifice to provide water for her child. While the narrative elements were strong, some aspects, such as costume design and musical repetition, detracted from the overall impact of the performance.
Vaibhav Arekar’s Theatrical Depiction of ‘Varsha’
Vaibhav Arekar presented ‘Varsha – Harvest of Lost Dreams,’ a dance theatre piece reflecting on the rainy season. This performance stood out for its immersive storytelling, exploring the emotional connection between a farmer and nature. The choreography painted a vivid picture of planting, anticipation of rain, and the disappointment of a failed monsoon, culminating in a moment of surrender.
Vaibhav’s use of dance elements like Jathi korvais and adavus effectively conveyed the energy of the sun and the intensity of water. Musical compositions from Dikshitar, along with nods to Sangam poetry, added depth to the emotional narrative of the performance.
Exploring Visual Imagery in Dance
Ragamala paintings, known for capturing the essence of seasons and ragas, were used as visual inspiration during the performances. While the idea of drawing from these traditional artworks was commendable, the execution varied across the presentations. Careful attention to detail could have enhanced the utilization of these visual elements, adding another layer of richness to the performances.
As the ‘Rithu Bharatham’ festival unfolds, each performance offers a unique perspective on the seasons, blending traditional elements with contemporary storytelling. The festival serves as a platform for dancers to showcase their creativity and interpretations, contributing to the rich tapestry of Indian classical dance.
For more information on upcoming dance events and festivals, visit Narada Gana Sabha.